Portable pump



April 29, 1952 A. H. RUTI- IMAN PORTABLE PUMP 2 SHEETS-SHEET 1 Filed Aug. 20, 1948 INVEN TOR. file/.5 EurHM/M/ A. H. RUTHMAN PORTABLE PUMP April 29, 1952 2 SHEETSSHEET 2 Filed Aug. 20, 1948 Patented Apr. 29, 1952 PORTABLE .PUMP

Alois .H. Ruthma-n, Cincinnati, Ohio, .assignor to TheButhman Machinery Company, Cincinnati, Ohio, a corporation of Ghio Application August 20, 1948, Serial No. 45,241

7 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in pumps and particularly to a portable self-contained'pump that may be readily moved from one place to another.

Portable pumps in and of themselves are old but those heretofore have had certain drawbacks, in that, pipes with elbows, turns, Ts, and the like were required thereby cutting down on the eificiency of the pump as a whole. By the present invention the pump, per se, is directly coupled with the accumulator tank so that efiiciency of operation is promoted and power requirements reduced to a minimum. Portable pumps of the kind of the present invention in the past required a considerable head of liquid to maintain the pump prime and maintain a continuous operation thereof while the pump of the present invention once primed and started will continue to operate without difiiculty.

It is therefore the principal object of the presentinvention to provide a self-contained power operated portable .pump which is compact yet efiicient in operation.

Another object of the present invention is the provision of a pump, of the type set forth above, which while it must be initially primed will continue in operation until the tank, sump, or the like, being emptied, is completely dry.

A further and specific object of the present invention is theprovision of a pump, of the type set out above, which is simple in construction and economical to produce and acquire.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention should be readily apparent by reference of the following specification considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings forming a part thereof and it is to be understood that any modifications may be made in the exact structural details there shown and described, within the scope of the appended claims, without departing from or exceeding the spirit of the invention.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of a portable pump embodying the principles of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the device of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view, certain parts in elevation, taken on line 33 on Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view of the device of Fig. '3 bringing out certain parts thereof more clearly.

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary transverse cross-sectional view, taken at right angles to Fig. 4, on line 5-5 on said Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary transverse cross-sec tional view taken on the line 65 on Fig. 4.

Fig. '7 is a fragmentary cross-sectional View taken in a plane behind that of Fig. 6, on line 'I-T on Fig. 4.

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary horizontal cross-sectional view through the device as seen from line 8-8 on Fig. 3.

Throughout the several views of the drawings similar reference characters are employed to denote the same or similar parts.

With the device of the present invention there has been provided a self-contained pump which may be operated under various types of adverse conditions. This pump may be used to drain liquids such as water or the like from cellars, excavations, or any sump which is filled with a liquid capable of being pumped that it is desired to drain off. The pump as will later be made clear is so constructed that it may be positioned adjacent to or operated at a distance away from the sump to be drained and may be readily moved from one point of operation to another.

The device of the present invention, as shown in the drawings, consists of a pump, indicated in general by the reference numeral Ill, having associated therewith a motive force, indicated in general by the reference character I I, with both the said pump Iii and its motive force I I mounted on a truck, or the like, indicated in general by the reference character I2.

The pump l8, most clearly shown in Figs. 3, Land 5, is of the centrifugal type and comprises a body portion or housing I3 to which is connected, in any suitable or desirable manner, the motive force ii. The motive force II is shown in the drawings as an electric motor, but it is to be understood that the motive force may be an internal combustion engine or any prime mover which is suitable or desirable for use.

As is most clearly shown in Fig. 4 the electric motor I! has secured to its forward end I5, as by bolts iii, a flange .ll of a spacing member, indicated as a whole by the reference character I3. Extending between the flange l1 and the body portion Iii of the spacer member IB are a pair of diametrically opposed spacing arms or ribs 20 and 2!, most clearly shown in Fig. '7. The spacing member I8 has its opposite or inner end 22 secured to the pump housing I3, in any manner suitable or desirable, as by bolts .23 extending through a radial flange 24 at the inner end of the said spacer member. Projecting inwardly of the pump body I3, from the inner end 22 of the spacer member, is a pair of diametrically opposed spacing arms 25 and 26, carrying at their inner ends a closure plate 21.

The spacer member flange I1 is apertured as at '28 for the driving or pump-motor shaft I4 of the motor with the body portion I9 similarly apertured at 28 following a counter-bore 29, in said body portion I9 that forms a packed hearing around said shaft I4. Disposed in the counter-bore 29 is packing or the like 30, with said packing retained in its operative position by a packing gland 3| which is in turn retained in its position by a packing or clamping member 32, most clearly shown in Fig. 7.

It is to be understood that the packing or clamping member 32 is to be secured to the body portion I9 of the spacing member I8, in any suitable or desirable manner, preferably by bolts 33, and the said member 32 may have the gland 3| formed integral therewith or the said gland may be formed in any other manne suitable or desirable. It should be further noted that in the event leakage occurs past the packing from the pump body portion I3 the said leakage liquid will escape off the motor-pump shaft I4 through the open spaces provided between the spacing arms or ribs 20 and 2| thereby preventing same from reaching the motor I I.

Referring specifically to Fig. 4 the housing or body portion I3 of the pump has at its upper end 34 a flange 35. This flange 35 is connected to the base plate 36 of a tank, indicated in general by the reference numeral 31. The pump housing or body flange 35 and the base plate 36 are apertured at 38 to communicate with spaces 39 and 4D in the said pump body. The space 39 is formed between pump body back wall or bottom M and a web 42 interiorly of said pump body while the space 40 is provided between the pump body front The webs 42 and 44 form between them the impeller chamber 45 in which is disposed the impeller 46 keyed or otherwise secured to the end of motor-pump shaft I4. The impeller comprises a central disc-like member 41 from the opposite sides of which project radial fins 41'. Extending from the impeller chamber 45 is a discharge pipe 48 having threaded or otherwise secured thereto a conduit or the like 49..

' The tank 31', see Fig. 3, is in the form of a container having its lower end open and its upper end dome shaped as at 50. The tank is supported on the base plate 36 through its open end which is disposed in a recess or groove 5I formed in the upper surface of said base plate 36 with suitable packing 52' between the end of the tank and the,

base of the recess or groove 5|. Substantially centrally of the tank 3! is a transverse plate 52 dividing the interior of the tank into receiving chamber 53 and discharge chamber 54. The plate 52 isof a dimension to closely approximate that of the interior of the tank so that a relatively close fit is had between said plate 52 and inner surface of the tank to substantially maintain the chambers 53 and 54.

The transverse plate 52 is provided with an aperture 56 into which one end of the conduit or pipe 49 is fitted and secured preferably by brazing, welding or the like. Disposed on the upper surface of the plate 52 is a tie rod 51 which comprises a circular bar portion 58 and a forked or yoke portion that includes legs or arms 59 and 60. The yoke portion 59-60 has its legs spaced a greater distance than the opening 56 so that no interference to the discharge is aiforded and the said yoke has its legs secured to the upper surface of the plate 52 preferably by brazing, welding or the like. The upper end of the tie bar rod 58 is threaded and projects above the upper end or dome of the tank to receive a nut 6|.

The wall of the tank 3'! at a point below the plate 52 is provided with an intake sleeve, nipple. or the like 62, to which may be secured in any desirable manner a conduit 63 which may conveniently be in the form of a flexible hose or the like. The tank 31 above the plate 52 is provided with a discharge outlet opening 64 relative to which is secured the outlet for the tank. This outlet conveniently takes the form of a pipe T 65 having one of its outlets secured as by welding, brazing, or the like to the tank top or dome 50 around the outlet opening 64 while a second outlet of the T 65 is closed by a removable plug 65 and the third outlet having connected thereto a discharge conduit 61, which, again, may conveniently take the form of a flexible hose or the like.

The tank 31 along with the pump I0, carried by the tank base plate 36, are secured through posts or bolts 68 to the body 69 of the transporting truck I2. The mounting of the tank and pump on the truck body is clearly illustrated in Fig. 4.

The truck body 69 in addition has secured thereto the motor II and has depending from its undersurface substantially immediately below the tank 3! wheels or rollers I0 one at each side thereof in transverse alignment and each of which includes a bracket II through which the said wheels or rollers III are, respectively, suitably connected to the truck. Substantially centrally of the rear end of the truck body 69 there is a depending foot or skid I2 forming with the rollers or wheel 10 a three-point support for the truck. At the forward end of the truck body 69 there is provided a handle I3 through which the truck and the parts carried thereby is moved.

The motor I I is conveniently secured to the truck body 69 through a bracket in the general shape of an H comprising vertical arms I4 and 15 joined to one another intermediate their ends by a transverse member I6. The vertical arms I4 and I5, below the transverse member 16, closely engage the sides of the motor and are secured thereto in any suitable or desirable manner while the transverse bar 76 is secured to the motor along the top thereof. The lower ends of the arms 14 and I5 are suitably secured to the upper surface of the truck body 69 and the said arms above the transverse brace I6 are outwardly curved, respectively, as at IT and I8. The said outwardly curved portions I1 and I8 are conveniently employed as a means around which the wire 79, from the motor II, is wrapped for storage purposes when not in use.

The operation of the device is as follows:

The user after placing the pump of the present invention adjacent the sump, well or the like to be worked on disposes the free end of the conduit or flexible hose 63 in the liquid to be pumped. The plug 66 is then removed from the T 65 and a priming liquid introduced through the said T 65 Which finds its way through the chamber 54 past the transverse plate 52 by passing through the aperture 56 and pipe or conduit 49 to the impeller chamber 45. The said priming liquid passes from the impeller chamber 45 through the aperture or eye 80 in the web 42 and a similar aperture or eye 8| in the flange 21, which in efiect forms a part of the web 44, into the spaces or passageways 39 and 40. The said liquid rises through the opening 38 in the base plate 36 to enter the inlet or priming chamber 53 of the tank 31 filling said chamber to a point at least to the upper end of the inlet nipple 62.

The electric motor is then energized for rotating the impeller 46 and effecting a reverse flow of the priming fluid. Continued rotation of the pump impeller creates a suction in the hose or conduit 63 for drawing the liquid to be pumped into the inlet chamber 53 of the tank 37 and which liquid is discharged through the pipe 49 into the discharge chamber 54 and the outlet nipple B4 to the discharge conduit or flexible hose 67.

From the foregoing, it is now believed evident that there has been provided a portable pump which accomplishes the objects initially set forth.

What is claimed is:

1. In a device of the class described the combination of a closed tank having a bottom, means interiorly of the tank for dividing it into a receiving compartment and a discharge compartment located one above the other, a power actuated pump secured to and depending from the tank bottom to be exteriorly of the tank, said pump having an inlet and an outlet concentric of one another, and individual concentric means for respectively connecting the said concentric pump inlet and pump outlet with the tank receiving compartment and tank discharge compartment.

2. In a device of the class described the combination of a closed tank having a bottom, means interiorly of the tank for dividing it into a receiving compartment and a discharge compartment located one above the other, a pump secured to and depending from the tank bottom to be exteriorly of the tank, said pump having an inlet and an outlet concentric of one another,

individual concentric means for respectively connecting the said concentric pump inlet and pump outlet with the tank receiving compartment and tank discharge compartment, power means for actuating the pump, and means for supporting said tank, pump and power means for transportation as a unit from place to place.

3. In a device of the class described the combination of a pump having a body member and a mounting flange integral therewith and to one side of the body member, said mounting flange having concentric pump inlet and pump outlet formed therethrough, a tank, a bottom closure plate for the tank, means for securing the pump mounting flange to the under side of the tank bottom closure plate, means interiorly of the tank for dividing the same into a receiving compartment and a discharge compartment located one above the other, and concentric means through the tank bottom for connecting the said concentric pump inlet and outlet, respectively, with the tank receiving compartment and tank discharge compartment.

4. In a device of the class described the combination of a pump having a body member and a mounting flange integral therewith and to one side of the body member, said mounting flange having the pump inlet and pump outlet formed therethrough, a tank, a bottom closure I plate for the tank, means for securing the pump mounting flange to the under side of the tank bottom closure plate, means interiorly of the tank for dividing the same into a receiving compartment and a discharge compartment located one above the other, and means through the tank bottom for connecting the pump inlet and outlet, respectively, with the tank receiving compartment and tank discharge compartment, comprising a singleopening through the tank bottom communicating with the pump inlet compartment and a pipe passing through said tank bottom opening connecting the pump outlet with the tank discharge compartment.

5. In a device of the class described a tank, a bottom closure plate for the tank, a pump secured to the closure plate and depending therefrom, said pump having an inlet and an outlet through the tank bottom closure plate, a discharge pipe from the pump outlet interiorly of the tank, means carried by the discharge pipe interiorly of the tank for providing within the tank a receiving compartment and a discharge compartment located one above the other, an inlet for the tank receiving compartment, and an outlet for the tank discharge compartment.

6. In a device of the class described a tank, a bottom closure plate for the tank, a pump secured to the closure plate and depending therefrom, said pump having an inlet and an outlet through the tank bottom closure plate, a discharge pipe from the pump outlet interiorly of the tank, means carried by the discharge pipe interiorly of the tank for providing within the tank a receiving compartment and a discharge compartment located one above the other, an inlet for the tank receiving compartment, an outlet for the tank discharge compartment, said tank having a top, and means between said tank top and tank dividing means for achoring said dividing means in operative position.

7. In a device of the class described a tank, a bottom closure plate for the tank, a pump secured to the closure plate and depending therefrom, said pump having an inlet and an outlet through the tank bottom closure plate, a discharge pipe from the pump outlet interiorly of the tank, means carried by the discharge pipe interiorly of the tank for providing within the tank a receiving compartment and a discharge compartment located one above the other, an inlet for the tank receiving compartment, an outlet for the tank discharge compartment, said tank having a top, means between said tank top and tank dividing means for anchoring said dividing means in operative position, and said tank having a priming opening therethrough whereby the pump, receiving compartment, and discharge compartment may be primed.

ALOIS H. RUTHMAN.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,174,959 Barzen Oct. 3, 1939 2,360,777 La Bour Oct. 17, 1944 2,483,019 Murphy Sept. 27, 1949 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 24,371 Netherlands June 15, 1931 

